He said: "Our approach to motorists who break road traffic regulations is firm but fair and we are completely transparent about where enforcement measures are in place across the borough.

"Residents have told us that congestion on our roads is one of their top concerns. Installing cameras to monitor hot spot areas in the borough, is one way the council can reduce traffic congestion and has already proven to change motorists' behaviour.

"An average of 1,004 cars a month were penalised for making the illegal right turn on this junction during the first six months after the cameras were installed.

"For the eight months that followed, penalties reduced to an average of 586 a month clearly demonstrating that motorists compliance improved by nearly 50 per cent, in turn reducing congestion.

"The fines on drivers who break the law pay for the Freedom Passes we give to over 20,000 people in Merton who qualify for this popular concession."